Z - Volume Two

Track #2 from "Playmaker, Vol. 2"

Production credits: Shredded

Playmaker, Vol. 2

Z - Volume Two

Volume Two

"Releasing Control" explores the universal struggle of surrendering control in a world that constantly pressures individuals to take charge of every aspect of their lives. Through heartfelt lyrics, the song delves into the anxiety that comes with overplanning and second-guessing, juxtaposed with the liberating realization that some things are beyond our control. The chorus becomes a pivotal moment of reflection, urging listeners to pause, breathe, and trust in life's natural ebb and flow. The song's raw vulnerability resonates with anyone who has battled fear and self-doubt, presenting a hopeful yet challenging call to embrace uncertainty.

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Trying to guide every single choice
Second-guessing every solid voice
We’re scripting moments and planning days
But life keeps moving its own way

Oh god no…

We need to pause and take a breath
We need to let go of all this stress
Not every path is ours to guide
Sometimes we need to step aside

We’re pushed too hard
We lose our hold
We retreat in defeat
We're feeling hurt and weak

Told to trust in what life takes
To trust in the ebb and the flow
When we try we come to find
Too scared to release control

Oh god no…

We need to pause and take a breath
We need to let go of all this stress
Not every path is ours to guide
Sometimes we need to step aside

Trust the flow
Though doubts are rising
We need to know
How far are we willing to go?


Releasing Control

"Fear of Failure" captures the paralyzing grip of self-doubt and stagnation, addressing the internal battle between comfort and the courage to embrace change. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mental toll caused by staying in a safe but unfulfilling place, juxtaposed with the longing to break free and pursue dreams. The repetition of "fighting for air" reflects the suffocating nature of fear, while the song’s turning point—stepping through the open door—symbolizes liberation and the exhilarating yet daunting embrace of the unknown. With its raw emotional core and uplifting conclusion, the track inspires listeners to confront their fears and take risks, reminding them that growth often requires letting go of what feels safe.

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There’s open doors
But never leaving
Years spent chasing
What we don’t believe

Afraid to start again
To let it all go
Fear of losing the comfort
Of what we think we know
What we think we know

Yet nothing changes
When we stay
Depression sets in
Our minds decay

Wrought with tension
Sense of despair
Hearts are pounding
We are fighting for air
We’re fighting for air

Fighting for air

We hold these dreams
But we keep them small
Afraid that trying
Just might end it all

Afraid that trying
Just might end it all

Take a step through that open door
Feel that sudden rush into the unknown

Shed our fear of failure
Shed our fear of failure
Shed our fear of failure
Shed our fear of failure

Fear of Failure

"Shame" delves deep into the shadows of self-perception, confronting the narratives we carry about our past and the fear of judgment that holds us back. The lyrics reveal the isolating power of shame—manifesting in silence, avoidance, and internalized negativity—yet offer a transformative message of hope and self-acceptance. By framing shame as a story rather than an unchangeable truth, the song encourages listeners to let go of the burden, forgive themselves, and reclaim their light. "Shame" is both haunting and empowering, guiding listeners through the process of breaking free from guilt and finding inner peace.

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We carry the weight, can’t let it go

From the past were always running
Afraid of what we’re becoming
Ashamed to be who we are
To think that we’re so scared

Shame’s a story
Not our truth
It dims our light
It steals our youth
If we can be free
We will find peace

Shed our shame

It’s in the looks that never speak
The silent stares that make us weak
Avoiding eyes in the mirror
Opposing self an evil sinner

Evil Sinner
Shed Our Shame

Shame’s a story
Not our truth
It dims our light
It steals our youth
If we can be free
We will find peace

Shed our shame

We trace the lines, we see the wear
But they don’t define what is there
Forgive ourselves for what we've done
Try to find the strength to carry on

You gotta root out that shame
And throw it away
Shed our shame

It’s in the looks that never speak
The silent stares that make us weak
We trace the lines, we see the wear
But they don’t define what is there

Shed our shame

Shame’s a story
Not our truth
It dims our light
It steals our youth
If we can be free
We will find peace


Shame

"Self Doubt" is a powerful anthem for those grappling with the inner critic that holds them back. The lyrics embody the struggle of carrying fear like a weight, yet beneath it all lies the spark of resilience waiting to ignite. The interplay between self-doubt as a shadow and the rising courage of the self transforms the song into a journey of empowerment. Each verse emphasizes the importance of progress, unity, and learning to trust one's inner voice, while the repeated refrain underscores the transformation of self-doubt from a source of weakness to a catalyst for collective strength. This track serves as a beacon of hope for listeners navigating their personal battles, reminding them they’re not alone in their quest for self-acceptance and strength.

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We hold tight
Caught in the weight
Each thought a stone
Fear digs deep

Doubt is close
(like shadows we feed)
Fueling fears
(a familiar need)
Beneath it all
(we sense a spark)
Wondering what could
(light this dark)

Self doubt whispers
Let's not be weak
Together we’re strong
Together we’re free

We start to wrestle
Push past fear
Step by step
Learning courage
(in our own time)

For every doubt
(choices to make)
Trust ourselves
(our voices awake)
We move forward
(though shadows play)
Clearer paths with
(each step we take)

Self doubt whispers
Let's not be weak
Together we’re strong
Together we’re free

Doubt's a shadow
(we chase, we burn)
Facing fears
(refusing to turn)
Step by step
(we’re breaking free)
Learning strength
(in unity)

When self doubt speaks
Don’t feel weak
Together we’re strong
Together we’re free

Self Doubt

"Finding Grace" is a raw and introspective exploration of humanity’s struggles with selfishness, disconnection, and the search for meaning. The lyrics highlight the destructive behaviors that stem from unchecked needs and the inner turmoil they cause, painting a vivid picture of dissatisfaction and yearning. The repeated mantra of seeking "grace" serves as both a plea and a path to transcendence—a longing to escape the chaos of external and internal conflict. The refrain, "It’s all in our heads," anchors the song in the realization that change begins within, urging listeners to reflect and seek clarity amidst the noise of life. This haunting track captures both the despair and the hope in humanity’s journey toward redemption and self-discovery.

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How far have we come?
Can we fall?
Forcing these people
Killing us all

We are needing
All of these things
We are feeding
Yet we're never pleased

Sucking life from
Fellow humans
To ease these
Narcissistic needs

How we feeling now?
Why we feeling proud?
Blind to our own bullshit

And I’m dreaming of being
Out of this body
Far, far away from this place
Finding myself
Finding some sort of…

Grace
Grace
Grace
Grace

We are living in a wicked bold faced lie
We are living in a wicked two faced life

How far have we come?
Can we fall?
Forcing these people
Killing us all

And I’m dreaming of being
Out of this body
Far, far away from this place
Finding myself
Finding some sort of…

Grace
Grace
Grace
Grace

It’s all in our heads
It’s all in our heads
It’s all in our head
It’s all in our head
It’s all in our heads
It's all in our head
It's all in our heads

And I’m dreaming of being
Out of this body
Far, far away from this place
Finding myself
Finding some sort of...

Grace
Grace
Grace
Grace

It's all in our heads
It's all in our head

Finding Grace

"Balance" is a reflective anthem for the modern age, capturing the relentless grind of chasing deadlines and striving for achievement at the expense of mental and emotional well-being. The lyrics expose the toll of overworking and losing connection with oneself, while offering a solution: learning to say no and reclaiming space for mindfulness. The refrain acts as both a mantra and a reminder that balance is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling life. The song resonates with anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life, inspiring listeners to find their own rhythm and prioritize what truly matters.

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Answering emails late at night
Chasing deadlines, losing sight
The grind, the push, it takes its toll
Losing ourselves, losing control

Balance comes when we say no
We gotta learn to let it all go

The race to win, the endless chase
It pulls us from our mindful space
When we stop to breathe
We find balance, we find reprieve

Balance comes when we say no
We gotta learn to let it all go

Learn to choose what feels right
To let go when it’s time

No more running till we break
Find the rhythm we should make

Balance comes when we say no
We gotta learn to let it all go
Take time to focus
Find the flow that suits us best

The grind, the push, it takes its toll
Losing ourselves, losing control
When we stop to breathe
We find balance, we find reprieve



Balance

"Wicked Ride" captures the chaos and uncertainty of navigating life's challenges, offering a gripping portrayal of human vulnerability and resilience. The lyrics weave through themes of fear, disillusionment, and the search for meaning amidst a turbulent existence. The repeated imagery of being lost and haunted emphasizes the struggle to find clarity and purpose, while the ultimate call to unity and self-reflection inspires hope for a better way forward. As the penultimate track, the song serves as a pivotal moment of introspection, balancing despair with the determination to learn and grow, creating a powerful anthem for those facing their own "wicked ride."

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This place in time
Something's not quite right
The more we try
The more we want to end this ride

Now we all die someday
But today is not our day

Here we are
Broken and scared
Not quite learning
Trying to find the meaning
In this wicked ride

Can’t seem to see through these trees
Need something here to guide us
To put our minds at [ease]

Oh god
Mistakes made
And prices paid

In this dream
We can't break free
These thoughts are
Haunting me

Here we are
In the dark
Not quite learning
Barely holding on to
This wicked ride

We are all lost 
Need to find one another
Navigate without all this hate
Come to terms with lessons learned

Here we are with a new start
Find the meaning in this wicked life

Wicked Ride

"Finding Peace" serves as the emotional and thematic resolution for Volume Two, reflecting on the growth and resilience achieved through pain and transformation. The lyrics explore the process of facing fears, learning from hardships, and embracing change as a constant. By acknowledging the battles fought and the bridges burned, the song emphasizes the value of growth through struggle and the importance of rising together in unity. The refrain offers a sense of renewal, encouraging listeners to release their burdens and discover strength in life’s challenges. As the closing track, "Finding Peace" delivers a powerful and uplifting conclusion, leaving the listener inspired to carry these lessons forward.

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Find our paths through doubt and fear 
Face the truths we hold so dear 
Though we’ll fall, we’ll find the way  
Learn what’s lost and what is gained

Throughout all of this pain 
Throughout this endless game 
Where the only constant is change

Can we be renewed ?
Eyes to see what’s real and what is true 
That weight now released 
Finding strength in difficult things
Our burdened minds finally finding peace

Battles fought, lessons learned 
Rise now from bridges burned
 In these shadows, we bring the light 
Helping those who stray do what’s right

Together we rise, together we know
We have the strength to let it all go

We can let it all go

Let’s stand now, renewed
Eyes to see what’s real and what’s true
That weight now released
Finding strength in difficult things
Our burdened minds finally finding peace


Finding Peace

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⚡ Stream / Download 'NC-17 & Philth - Hunter' → https://push.fm/fl/disncphep002

"The 'Last of a Dying Breed' EP series returns with Volume 2, as NC-17 & Philth continue their collaborative celebration of tech drum & bass.

https://soundcloud.com/anttc1
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NC-17 & Philth - Hunter [Premiere]

Ongoing, personal music project created, recorded, and mixed in a humble home studio. 

"The God Gene" is a concept centered on humanity's connection (or lack thereof) physically and spiritually (though not necessarily religiously). 

Think of "God" in the sense of an unexplainable metaphysical force that connects us to everything within existence (whether we are aware of it or not). 

Think of "Gene" as the physical boundaries we find ourselves within, during this particular existence, at this specific time. 

"The God Gene" can also symbolize the confusing (and often violent) existential crisis we collectively find ourselves in.

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New tracks tagged #Volume Two